Contract for the Modelling of Ambient Air Quality (MAAQ)

This procurement is to appoint a contractor for the Modelling of Ambient Air Quality for assessment of air quality and reporting compliance with air quality limit values, critical levels, target values and long-term objectives under the AQSR. Modelling of Ambient Air Quality contract is a key part of the evidence base to deliver the annual assessment and reporting of compliance. The UK uses a combination of measurement and modelling data within the annual air quality assessments required for assessing compliance with the AQSR, which must be published by the end of September each year.

This has a number of benefits including a reduction in the cost burden for measurements, providing a more complete assessment and providing policy relevant information for air quality management including source apportionment (linking concentrations with specific sources). The use of models for annual compliance reporting also provides a consistent framework within which projections of future air quality, under current policies or policy option scenarios, can be explored in a cost-effective manner.